11 Things That Will Void Your Asphalt Roof Warranty

Are you looking to get a new roof and wondering if getting a manufacturer’s warranty is worth it? Are you wondering which practices can void your roof’s warranty and cause you to lose your coverage?

Maybe you’re feeling skeptical because you’re sick of trying to make sense of a needlessly long, confusing warranty. Or you’ve heard too many stories from others who thought their damaged roof was covered, but instead ended up paying a bunch of money because the damage fell under the exclusions.

At RoofSmart, we believe that transparency is key. It’s important that you sign up for a roof warranty fully informed of both what’s included and excluded from being covered so that you do not have to deal with any bad surprises later on.

The intent of this article is not to dissuade you from getting a warranty. We still highly recommend getting the best warranty you can, we just want to emphasize the importance of fully understanding it first.

This article will explain several different situations and roof issues that are almost always excluded from coverage under the roof’s warranty. By the end, you’ll know what to expect from your warranty and will be better prepared in case any of these situations ever apply to you.

Here is the list of 11 common limitations (which appear in pretty much every roof warranty) that will prevent you from getting coverage:

1.) Improper Installation

This is one of the most common issues that we see in the roofing industry. Mistakes happen all the time. It could be because the roofer does not know the proper process for installing a specific type of roofing or maybe they just don’t care enough to make sure that every detail is perfect.

Either way, you’re left with a roof that was not installed properly. The manufacturer does not cover this issue because they aren’t responsible for installation (the only exception to this is when a warranty requires you to use a certified installer and you have a workmanship warranty).

In fact, all warranties even explicitly state that the roofers must follow their guidelines and requirements for installation. Reading the directions isn’t just what a Meticulous Roofing Nerd would do, it’s for your protection too.

2.) The Roof Is Not To Code

Similar to the issue of improper installation, shingle manufacturers are not liable for providing coverage for shingles damaged by houses that do not meet federal or state requirements.

For example, installing asphalt shingles over shiplap is not to code. Manufacturers will not pay for this.

Manufacturers are aware of these guidelines and will likely not permit you to install a roof that is not to code. However, if it somehow still happens, they will not cover it because their shingles were set up to fail. They design their shingles with certain protocols in mind.

3.) Damage from Weather or the Environment

Manufacturers will not pay for damage caused by hail, falling tree branches, or storms. Most warranties have coverage for wind damage, but only up to certain speeds and for a limited period of time. Anything exceeding what is outlined in the warranty would not be covered by the manufacturer.

But, this one does have a silver lining because sometimes in cases like these, you can make an insurance claim and have them pay for the roof repair or replacement.

4.) Damage from Pre-Existing Conditions

If your roof was already not built to code or damaged in some way, then you will not receive coverage from the manufacturer. This includes related parts on the roof, like chimneys, and areas around the roof, like siding or gutters. Even windows on a dormer could be leaking down the wall, but it can look like the roof.

5.) Damage Caused By Impact

If anything falls on or hits the roof and causes damage, the manufacturer will not cover that. Walking on the roof or dropping things on it can potentially damage the roof or make it more susceptible to leaks, even if it’s a small area.

Also, if you hired someone to work on your roof, as they are up there walking around they might cause damage to the roof. This can even happen if they stay in one spot, but are consistently twisting and pivoting, causing the shingles to move.

Another thing that is terrible for your roof is pressure washing it. You should NEVER high-pressure-wash asphalt shingles. This will cause excessive granule loss and significantly speed up the deterioration of your roof.

6.) Improper Ventilation

This is one that people who are not familiar with roofs often don’t consider. For your roof to function properly, you must have good ventilation. Without it, shingles are susceptible to premature damage. That’s why manufacturers will not provide coverage for damage caused by improper ventilation.

This is especially important in a rainy area like Seattle because having a roof with solid airflow will help tremendously in preventing mold.

7.) Improper Drainage

Asphalt shingles are vulnerable to excessive pooling water. Manufacturers do not design them to withstand certain amounts of water. So, if you have roof valleys that drain out onto other levels of the roof rather than into the gutter, then your shingles are set up to fail prematurely.

Manufacturers will not cover damages that fall outside of what they advertised that the shingle could withstand.

8.) Third-Party Roof Work

Hiring someone else to do work on your roof or the surrounding areas is a liability for your shingles. This includes things like installing solar panels or getting a satellite dish. Drilling holes into your asphalt shingles makes them much more likely to leak.

Getting your siding fixed or painted might also damage the roof, especially if they are securing their scaffolding with screws in the roof. Manufacturers definitely won’t pay for that damage because that is not a material defect they caused.

We strongly recommend having a conversation with anyone you send up on your roof about potential damage to the roof—both how they’ll avoid it and who will be responsible for paying for repairs.

9.) Lack of Maintenance

Asphalt shingles require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. This means that you’ll be expected to regularly clear pine needles and leaves off of your roof. If you don’t, they will retain moisture and deteriorate the shingles more quickly.

Sap, specifically from maple trees, is also damaging to shingles, so be sure to clean that off regularly as well.

10.) Using Products Not Made by the Manufacturer

Using products that the shingle manufacturer did not make or approve of during the installation might void your warranty. Some manufacturers require that you use only their products to be eligible for higher-level warranties.

Whether or not that is the case, if any other products not made by the manufacturer on your roof are damaged or leaking, that is not something the manufacturer covers (sometimes this might fall under their workmanship warranty, but that is rare).

For example, if a skylight or a pipe boot on your roof is leaking, then you might have better luck getting coverage from the workmanship warranty you have with your roofing contractor.

11.) Shading

Every roof is unique and everyone’s property looks different. If your house has a lot of different levels or is surrounded by trees, then it’s pretty likely that your shingles will fade at different rates.

The manufacturer will not pay for this because they cannot control this. Inconsistent shading might happen on different areas of your roof. Though it may not be aesthetically appealing, it does not count to the manufacturer as a material defect.

How Do I Know Which Roof Warranty Is Right For Me?

After reading this article, you’re aware of how important it is to know what’s excluded from your warranty coverage. Being aware of the common things that are not covered in a roof warranty helps you to fully understand what level of protection it offers.

You now know what to expect with your warranty, meaning that you can approach any potential roof issues in the future with confidence and a sense of clarity. There may seem like a lot of “outs” for a shingle manufacturer. Across the industry, these are mostly present to keep roofing salesmen from *overpromising* and giving a false sense of security.

The roofing manufacturers make great products, but that’s just about all they’re responsible for. After they made the product it’s up to the installer to set you up for success.

After hearing about all of the reasons you won’t get coverage for your roof, you might be wondering if it’s even beneficial to get a warranty at all. To learn more about the benefits of having a roof warranty and find the right one for you, check out our articles from three different manufacturers—Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed—that compare the pros and cons of each level of warranty.